Rachael's story, Meet the team

"I really get a thrill making people’s wishes come true.."

Tell us about one of your clients

Yvonne (pictured right) is a very delightful lady, though sometimes appears quite anxious. Since we’ve started supporting Yvonne we’ve seen a great improvement, her needs have reduced and she’s become more independent. We provide some help with meals, but we’ve been able to reduce her need for personal care. However Yvonne likes us to be round, so that if she is a bit unsteady or wants some more support, she knows we’re here.

She recently wanted to revise her care plan to get out of the house more, do some walking, go to cafes. So we love that, she’s wanting more social support as well as exercise, so were delighted to provide that. It’s wonderful to have seen that improvement. Yvonne is a delightful person.

How did you become interested in this work?

I started working in care about eleven years ago. I also have a Diploma in Community Services and now studying Bachelor of Social work. My initial training was in administration and remedial massage. After a number of years working for employment services, family early intervention, and carer respite programs, I began working with older people and I really love it. I’m really committed to providing good care for older and vulnerable people in need. And I’ve really enjoyed combining my study with my work during the day. At the same time my husband and I have been raising two children so it’s been pretty busy!

What is your current role?

I’m loving being back into case management. My title is Care Adviser. I manage the client’s package with the client, to make sure the care plan and budgets reflect how they would like to be supported. I also make referrals out to other care services like Occupational Therapists or Physios if my client needs that. And I connect with our day-to-day Care Workers to get feedback on how the clients are going - so they are really my eyes and ears.

What is the best part of the job?

Doing the home visits. I really get a thrill about making people’s wishes come true. If I can make sure that they have people coming in to the home regularly and checking in to see if they are doing well, and have the right connections to doctors and other support, then that’s what makes me happy at the end of the day.

How is it working for Anglicare?

I think they are a great organisation to work for. Management are extremely supportive. They are very social minded which is important to me, I’m very passionate about that. Going all the way up to the CEO - we had a forum recently where he discussed new programs and intiatives with us, it was really amazing. I work very autonomously, my manager gives me lot of room and trust to do my work, and I’m empowered to advocate for my clients. My values are well aligned with Anglicare.

Thanks Rachael for sharing your story with us. Some names and details have been changed to protect privacy.

If Rachael’s role sounds appealing, why not visit Anglicare’s Careers page for more information on working for Anglicare.